Expert: Delores Beck - 5/2/2008

Question
My cocker spaniel is 10 years old and recently developed an infection in his right eye.  I took him to the vet and they prescribed an antibiotic ointment and steroid.  The vet said the tear duct has stopped working.  There hasn't been any improvement in the eye for two weeks so the vet is suggesting removing his eye.  He can still see and doesn't appear in any pain so this seems very extreme to me.  What are the alternatives for a dog of his age?

Answer
It certainly does sound extreme.  Is it possible to get him to a veterinary opthalmologist?  Ask your vet for a referral.

I've dealt with this a lot and the infection can be cleared using the right topical antibiotic/steroid but he should have been given cyclosporine drops for his tear production.  

At the least, I'd get him to another vet.  Quite honestly, this one sounds like he knows very little about eye problems.  And for sure he should have referred you to a specialist.
Delores